THE new Parkhead boss claims the Hoops deserve more respect for their achievements in Europe’s top competition over the last few years.

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RONNY DEILA has branded UEFA’s decision to make Celtic play three qualifiers in order to reach the Champions League group stage as “stupid”.

The new Parkhead boss claims the Hoops deserve more respect for their achievements in Europe’s top competition over the last few years.

Deila takes charge of his first competitive fixture tonight in a crucial qualifier against KR Reykjavik.

But a victory over the Icelandic champions would still leave the Scottish title holders with another two rounds to negotiate.

The Parkhead club also had to come through three qualifiers last year and only just edged out Shakhter Karagandy to advance.

Celtic are being forced into action so early because Scotland have dropped down the rankings in UEFA’s coefficients, which are based on results in Europe from the last five seasons.

But Deila insists the system is flawed and claims the Hoops are being made to play too many qualifiers for a club he believes is one of the biggest in Europe.

He said: “The way to the Champions League is too long. Celtic have been fighting for many years with the best teams in Europe and it is stupid that the Scottish coefficient is not regarded as good enough.

“It should be more about the clubs. You have to take into consideration the club, not the country.

“Celtic don’t deserve to have three rounds before going into the Champions League groups.

“It’s very unfair that going to the last 16, as we did two years ago, is not going to be recognised."

Asked if Celtic deserve more respect from UEFA, the Norwegian answered: “Yes, I think so. This is a big club with fantastic history.”